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Hello Kent Business Community

Welcome to the 2nd Edition of the Kent Business Newsletter!
Great to see you here for another round-up of business news, successes, and networking opportunities from across Kent. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a new start-up, or simply interested in what's happening in your local business community, we're here to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.

Have you got something exciting to share about your business?
Send your news to [email protected] - we'll help you reach thousands of local readers who are eager to hear what's happening in Kent’s vibrant business scene. It’s easy, effective, and completely free.

If you missed last week’s edition you can catchup here.

Kent Business News Updates…

➡️ Funding Boost To Help Kent’s Young Entrepreneurs Thrive

Young entrepreneurs in Kent and Medway aged 18-30 have a new opportunity to access vital funding, thanks to a partnership between Kent Community Foundation and SWEF. Grants of up to £2,000 are now available to help bring innovative business ideas to life or to accelerate growth in start-ups under two years old.

Tassells Solicitors, a fixture of the Faversham business community since 1792, has entered a new phase of growth and development. Following a move to modern offices on Jubilee Way, the firm now offers improved facilities including free parking and step-free access, creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for clients.

The team has grown significantly, reflecting increased demand for its specialist services in Private Client and Property law. The firm remains committed to delivering personal, high-quality legal support rooted in experience, empathy, and trust.

In a nod to the future, Tassells is also investing in early-career talent through apprenticeships, ensuring the next generation of legal professionals is nurtured from within. Read the full article here. 

One of Kent’s most established timber specialists, Dover Trussed Roof Company, has expanded its role within Calldene Structural Timber Solutions, joining forces with sister company Triad Timber Components. Together, they’re aiming to provide a stronger service to housebuilders across Southern England and the home counties.

With over 70 years of combined experience, the two firms bring deep expertise in structural timber design and manufacturing. The expansion means better regional coverage, improved service, and enhanced production capacity from sites in Canterbury and Lancing.

The move is designed to meet growing demand for locally sourced, high-quality timber components while continuing to invest in cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering efficiency. Read the full story. 

Sophie Eager, a veterinary nurse at Pennard Vets in Maidstone, has launched a new set of free “confidence clinics” to help pets cope with fear, stress and aggression during vet visits.

Each one-on-one session is designed to reduce anxiety through desensitisation and behavioural techniques, aiming to make appointments safer and less stressful for both animals and owners. The clinics respond to a sharp post-pandemic rise in behaviour-related challenges, as more pets struggle with changes in routine and unfamiliar environments. Backed by formal training and personal experience, Sophie’s approach is already showing results - including a dog named Shiro, who can now attend routine check-ups without incident. Full story here. 

Quick Poll - just for fun…

👉️ Results from last week’s poll…

Q. Networking in Kent - do you prefer in-person or virtual?

42% - Both (Winner)
24% - In-person
19% - Virtual
15% - I avoid them altogether

Looks like Kent’s professionals are social… just not too social! 😉 

Kent Business Spotlight…

Kent’s Desi Snack ‘Curry Smugglers’ Crowdfunding Drive to Spice Up the Snack Game

Launched in 2024 by husband-and-wife duo Ruby and Steve Dass, Margate-based Curry Smugglers is on a mission to make the world’s best Desi snacks. Their range of canned Bombay Mix, Chakli, and Pakora treats is now seeking investors ready to help disrupt the British snack industry.

Inspired by the founder’s Indian heritage and the snacks made by their mother when growing up, Curry Smugglers has the ambition to shake-up South Asian snacks that have been stuck in a rut-boring bags stacked on supermarket shelves, and bring a fresh attitude to a category craving excitement.

Tapping into one of Britain’s most powerful cultural communities

With one of the fastest-growing, youngest, and most culturally influential communities as a primary market, the company is set for success! The UK savoury snack market is worth £5.7 billion, with world and ethnic-inspired snacks snacks growing by 12-15% year on year. 

But it’s not just about demographics. A whole new generation, across all backgrounds is hungry for snacks with real flavour and a real story. 

Curry Smugglers pays homage to fun-packed holidays in India, inspired by the country’s diverse culinary traditions. From the explosion of herbs and spices to the buzzing aromatic spice bazaars of Mumbai, the snacks are all about transporting your tastebuds to those vibrant experiences.

About Curry Smugglers, co-founder Ruby Dass said 

“Curry Smugglers was born from a craving - for bold snacks that finally reflected us. We’re first-gen British Asians, and these recipes carry the fire of home. All we saw on supermarket shelves were bland Asian snack bags, so we flipped the script. Beer cans, branding something that actually reflects us - our roots, our flavour, our unapologetic Desi swagger..”

Keeping our planet and your snacks fresh

Strongly influenced by Co-founder and Managing Director Steve Dass’s background in craft beer, Curry Smugglers products are packaged in craft beer cans. Being the world’s most recycled material with over 80% recycled cans in the UK, the choice of packaging wasn’t just innovative but sustainable. 100% of a beverage can is broken down, smelted and reformed into another can with zero waste. It provides an air-tight and UV-free environment to keep your favourite Desi snack fresher for longer.

About their use of cans, Steve Dass, Co-founder said

“Cans just made sense - not just because they turn heads, but because they’re smart. They’re light, endlessly recyclable, and lock in flavour. Coming from the craft beer world, I knew how powerful that format could be. We wanted Curry Smugglers to feel fresh, bold and unexpected - and the cans do all of that while keeping our snacks crisp and the planet in mind.”

A successful start

Within their first year, the ambitious couple has created three authentic Desi snacks, sold 10,000 cans in the first 4 months, gained more than 12K followers on social media and secured two major distributors! The Desi snacks have even received praise from celebrity chef Tony Singh, who declared “Spice, swagger, and pure Desi joy. What’s not to love?”

And the appeal goes wider than the South-Asian diaspora. The Desi brand is addressing a whole new audience - from foodies to new flavour hunters - who are turning away from bland, soulless snacks and craving something real. Curry Smugglers sits at the intersection of culture, flavour and fun - tapping into a market that has long been overlooked. 

With the right investment, Curry Smugglers intends to create 2 brand-new snacks, triple production capacity and install a state-of-the-art canning line to boost efficiency, consistency, and cost control. This next phase of growth will help the company meet rising demand, unlock national distribution, and cement its place as the UK’s boldest Desi snack brand. 

To learn more about how to get involved with the Desi snack revolution and the potential tax relief investors can benefit from, download the investor pack here.

Kent Networking Events…

Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and customers is vital for business growth. Kent offers a variety of networking opportunities to help you expand your professional circle and enhance your business prospects.

Quick Tip For Effective Networking…

Ask more than you talk!
People remember how you made them feel. Show genuine interest in others - ask questions, listen, and follow up on what they say.

Business Events & Shows In Kent…

Let your business shine and enter this year's Medway Business Awards.

The sponsors of the Medway Business Awards are excited to announce the launch of this year’s awards. These awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements of businesses and Community Interest Companies (CICs) in the Medway area. Entry is free and open to companies of all sizes. 

Susan Jennings, a partner at Furley Page solicitors and Chair of the Judges, highlighted the significance of these awards in acknowledging Medway's business community's hard work and dedication. "For over forty years, these awards have recognised and rewarded Medway's diverse range of businesses.  As we move into our 41st year, we look forward to receiving your entries and shining a well-deserved light on what a great network of talent we have in the area." 

Submissions are due by midnight on 8th August. The gala awards evening will take place on Friday, November 14th, at The Corn Exchange in Rochester. This spectacular event will feature a three-course dinner, a disco, and the presentation of certificates and awards. 

If you have questions about the entry process or judging, contact us at [email protected]. The Medway Business Awards are supported by the following organisations: Furley Page, Kreston Reeves, Medway Council, Uniper, the University of Greenwich, MidKent College, GrainLNG and Craven Street Wealth. 

Kent Business Radio Show…

In this week’s show, as well as the entertaining discussions around current business news and upcoming events relevant to Kent's business community, your favourite radio hosts Paul Andrews and Jules Serkin interview Laura and Barry Ash of Rock Solid Health.

They began in 2013 focusing on fitness but evolved to support mental and emotional wellbeing. They now help business owners combat burnout through leadership programmes and retreats. The couple also support children’s charities, inspired by Barry’s late mum’s motto: “Smile and pass it on.”

To listen to this week’s show visit Kent Business Radio

Kent Job Board…

Explore the latest job postings from Kent businesses seeking talent. Are you looking to expand your team? Contact us today to have your local vacancy listed.

Tips for Job Seekers…

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter for Every Application!
Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Customise your CV and cover letter to highlight the specific experience and skills that match the job description. Use keywords from the job ad to increase your chances of passing through automated filters.

Kent Business Community, before you go… 
➡️ Do you have exciting news to share about your business?
➡️ Would you like to advertise to an audience of decision makers in Kent?
➡️ Would you like to feature in the Entrepreneurs Deep Dive section?
➡️ Do you have a job vacancy you’d like us to post?

Contact us today - [email protected]

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